Contents

Understand

Canggu has a very long black sand beach

Canggu proper is a small village on the beach about 20 minutes north of Seminyak, half way to Tanah Lot. Canggu is widely used though to refer to a large coastal stretch of about 8 km, running north from the village of Berawa (just north of Seminyak) to the village of Cemagi (just south of Tanah Lot) taking in Echo Beach, Seseh and Pererenan along the way. It is still a largely rural area away from the beaches, but is being developed fast.

The beaches have dark grey or black sand and are not particularly good for swimming, but do offer some renowned and challenging surfing spots.

The area is popular with many expatriates who choose to live here, and a large number of the villas owned by overseas nationals are located here. Much of the area features quietly undulating terrain with the rice paddies that typify much of south central Bali.

Get in

Taxis can be hard to find in this area and most travel tends to be by private car or motorcycle. Consider booking accommodation with a complimentary airport pickup as this is the easiest way to get to Canggu.

See

Sunset over Canggu Beach

Very pastoral, Canggu offers a chance to observe the daily rhythms of Balinese village life.

Check out the sunset from your perch on a surfboard.

Black sand beaches. Amongst the better beaches in this area are Berawa, Echo Beach and Pererenan.

The nearby Nirwana Bali Golf CourseTanah Lot. Designed by Greg Norman and is constently voted one of the best golf courses in Asia; it is situated beside the dramatic, waved-lashed sea temple of Tanah Lot just to the north.

Various activities are offered at the Canggu Club[32]. Bali's first (and only) country club.

Buy

For shopping, take a trip to nearby Seminyak, a 25 minute drive south from Canggu.

Mid-range

Legong Keraton Beach Hotel, ☎+62 361 730280 ([email protected]), [9]. A long established hotel on Berawa beach (the southern part of greater Canggu). More than a bit run down, but has a good quality spa and restaurant. Offers single room accommodation and beachfront cottages.From US$80.

Splurge

Desa Seni, Jl Kayu Putih 13, Pantai Berawa, ☎+62 361 8446392, [11]. Each room in this self-styled "village" is situated in an antique house, with a newly refurbished interior. Has a saltwater pool, spa, a restaurant with many organic and vegetarian options, and yoga classes twice daily.From US$150.

Hotel Tugu Bali, Jl Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu, ☎+62 361 731701,, [12]. Beach-side hotel with good service and numerous dining and spa options. This hotel contains many Indonesian antiques and beautiful relics. Worth a visit just for the antiques and restaurant.From about US$300.

Simona Oasis and Spa, [25]. 5 bedroom villa with 1,000² m private spa on a spur of land at the confluence of two rivers. Walking distance from the beach. Fully staffed, car and driver included.From US$925.

Uma Di Beji, [26]. Accessed via its own 150 m driveway and bridge. 5 bedroom villa in a secluded rice field location. Various buildings, all with traditional Balinese alang-alang (thatched) roofs, frame the gardens and the large suites of the house. The mature garden and numerous water features lead down to a large lava rock swimming pool.US$850-1,250.

Villa Mako, [28]. 3 bedroom retreat with swimming pool and large garden. The single-storey villa is neo-colonial in style, similar to the Dutch guesthouses in Java, characterised by louvred shutters, old teak doors and high wooden ceilings built of old timbers. The villa is fully staffed and has a private swimming pool.US$370-490.

Get out

The bright lights, shopping centres and nightlife of Seminyak are just 25 minutes away.

The temple of Tanah Lot, famed for its sunsets, and the Nirwana golf course is 20 minutes away by car.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!